NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
Original Hybrid
Posts: 108
Played by:
Mandy
Last seen Jan 7, 2024 21:07:20 GMT
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Post by NIKLAUS MIKAELSON on Dec 18, 2022 0:14:36 GMT
THROUGH THE FOG WITH KOL MIKAELSON
Part of him wondered if the school operated like a church --- and that his very presence would set off a series of events that ended with him being struck by lightening. A bit melodramatic but he could honestly say that he had never thought he would stand in a place such as this. Training grounds for the supernatural? It seemed absurd to him in many ways. He had to stumble, feel his way through the thicket sort to speak to get where he now stood. No one had guided him along.
Yet, he was profoundly grateful that the school existed at the same time.
He should have come sooner, he realized. This place was where Hope was spending her formative years. They had a direct hand in making his daughter into the person she was now. He still played a role of course but there was no denying the profound effect this place could have on her. He should want to be sure that she was getting nothing but the best --- for that was what she deserved. This should not have been the first time he stepped in its hallowed halls.
Unannounced of course, because he was not the kind of man who made appointments. Besides, as much as he worried for Hope, she was not the sole reason he was there. Right now his mind had drifted elsewhere --- to an open connection that he had not reforged immediately. Admittedly, his mind had been elsewhere (and muddled by the fear he felt every time he thought about losing Hope to anything) but still there was no excuse not reach this moment sooner.
He managed to avoid most of the people who would question his appearance and was firmly seated in his brother's office. He knew Kol would be elsewhere at the moment and it gave him ample time to take in his surroundings. By the time he heard the doorknob turn, he had settled into a chair with a lazy look on his face.
"About time Professor Mikaelson," he drawled, his voice taking on a playful lilt. "I am in need of guidance."
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KOL MIKAELSON
Original Vampire
Posts: 23
Played by:
NOE
“I’ve met a lot of people and you don’t particularly stand out.”
Last seen May 4, 2024 19:15:00 GMT
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Post by KOL MIKAELSON on Dec 18, 2022 16:36:06 GMT
— you did not mean to be cruel but that does not mean you were kind —
KOL WATCHED AS THE CLASS DISPERSED, the chatter filling the classroom as the students began pouring out, no doubt heading toward their next class of the day. Kol stayed behind to gather his own belongings and once he was done, the classroom was empty. Kol grabbed the blackboard eraser to wipe away what was written on the blackboard so that the next teacher can use the board without having to wipe everything. Kol placed aside the eraser and turned to grab his things and left the classroom with his cup of coffee in his hand, thankfully still warm. As he walked to the office, a few teachers looked the other way, not wanting to meet his eyes. He actually didn't blame them for reacting that way, he would have turned the other way too. Kol found it exceptionally difficult to befriend the teachers at the school and he had heard a few of them doubt Jenna and Alaric's decision to let him work at the school when he was once known as a merciless killer who did not discriminate between good and bad, he took their lives and left their dead bodies behind to rot.
Many of his students' parents actually spoke to Jenna about having him as their kids' teacher but she had managed to soothe their worries enough to let their kids stay in the class because they both knew that Kol's class was important and if it had been a filler class, they all would have avoided it as if their lives depended on it and perhaps that was exactly what they thought. If you ask Kol how he knows all of that, he will tell you that the school has exceptionally thin walls and with his enhanced hearing, it wasn't difficult at all to pick up on those conversations but it never left him feeling hollow or upset. Whether they believed that he was trying to become a better version of himself was entirely up to them, just because he was trying to change doesn't mean that he was going to try and convince every single person that he was different now. If they still wish to view him as a killer, then so be it. He won't lose a wink of sleep over it.
Upon reaching his office, Kol balanced his cup of coffee on top of his papers and turned the doorknob. He stepped into his office shortly after only for him to come to a halt when he heard an all too familiar voice talking to him. His eyes relaxed on Niklaus who had already claimed his seat. It left him wondering just how long he'd been sitting there waiting for him to come to his office. Kol rolled his eyes at Nik's teasing. Of course his half-brother would come all the way here just to tease him. "Oh, great. My least favorite reoccurring nightmare." Kol grumbled and closed the door behind him. He approached his desk to place down his belongings. "I'm afraid you've just missed my class, Nik. Come by tomorrow, I might let you sit with the kids if you behave well." Kol sarcastically said as he eyed his brother for a moment. He placed down his belongings and took a seat a moment later, his eyes still fixed on his brother. He released a soft sigh as he leaned forward to let his elbows rest on the desk. "Did you come all this way just to make fun of me or do you really need my guidance with something?"
TAG: NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
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NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
Original Hybrid
Posts: 108
Played by:
Mandy
Last seen Jan 7, 2024 21:07:20 GMT
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Post by NIKLAUS MIKAELSON on Dec 18, 2022 18:48:23 GMT
THROUGH THE FOG WITH KOL MIKAELSON
His head was tipped back and he was admiring the ceiling, wondering who had designed the crown molding when Kol finally spoke. He flipped his chin towards his brother, a smile playing on his lips. It was strange to see him again, strange that he would find it strange. This was hardly their longest time away from one another, in fact it was probably one of the shortest. Yet, there was something uniquely different about this moment.
Klaus suspected it had everything to do with the image that his brother was currently projecting.
He took in Kol's stature, his clothing, the stack that he was trying to juggle while a cup of coffee sat precariously at the top. It looked nothing like the man he had known over the centuries. The Kol in his mind was a vicious little pretender, a ruthless killer who did what he did for fun. Now, truthfully, while Klaus often found Kol a pain in the ass at least he could admire his methods. From afar of course. He was not one to rain compliments out. It was hard to marry the idea of Kol in his head with the man standing before him.
Just what had prodded the man to teach of all things?
"A little of column A, a little of column B," Klaus drawled in answer to Kol's question. He shifted in the seat a little but only so he could lift his feet and set them on the edge of the coffee table. This place reeked of the kind of controlled energy he tried his best to avoid. He tilted his head a little trying to find the traces of his brother in the room but still struggling. "But in truth, I had to come see this for myself. You know I heard of your career choice and thought to myself what possessed you. I came up with a great many theories --- some of them wild, like yourself of course. In the end, I thought I would come get the answer straight from the wily fox's mouth. Just what possessed you to do this? Please do not tell me it is a girl. Or a boy. Or whatever it is you fancy. I am already up to my ears in lovesick Mikaelsons and I am frankly growing weary of the idea."
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KOL MIKAELSON
Original Vampire
Posts: 23
Played by:
NOE
“I’ve met a lot of people and you don’t particularly stand out.”
Last seen May 4, 2024 19:15:00 GMT
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Post by KOL MIKAELSON on Dec 18, 2022 20:30:20 GMT
— you did not mean to be cruel but that does not mean you were kind —
THE LAST PERSON HE EXPECTED TO SEE IN HIS OFFICE WAS NIKLAUS, he had to reel back his surprise upon seeing him. A part of him was worried that something had happened, but then again, Niklaus wouldn't be sitting leisurely if something had gone wrong so that realization made the tension evaporate from his shoulders. Instead, he found himself on the receiving end of Niklaus' teasing which made him roll his eyes. Truth be told, he can't remember when was the last time they had been able to sit in the same room and not instantly jump in each other's throats. He couldn't tell if becoming a father had changed his brother or if he had changed. Either way, it was a nice change despite how odd it actually felt.
Oh, scratch that.
Kol wanted to get up and head out to teach another class despite not having the mental energy to handle kids again after his last class. Anything would be better than being on the receiving end of Nik's teasing. Kol wanted to go back to being the one with the sarcastic and snarky remarks. "Okay, so you did come all the way just to tease me. Good to know. Should've just called. I wouldn't have answered, but still." Kol's lips stretched into a wide smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as he lifted his mug to take another sip. He fixed the pile of papers he'd graded yesterday, the first paper reading did you actually pay attention in my class? with a zero written underneath. All the papers underneath had the same number or close to it, at least, except for a few papers from students who actually paid attention and managed to pass his impromptu quiz with flying colors. Needless to say, Kol wasn't exactly the type of teacher to sugarcoat or protect the fragile hearts of younger kids. The earlier they become acquainted with the taste of disappointment, the better.
Kol figured that if he ignored Niklaus, he'd get up and leave him be, but then his brother spoke again and Kol stopped fixing the pile of papers, his eyes meeting his brother's once more. Kol's expression was hard to read at first before a small amused smile formed on his lips. "I'm honored to hear that you've been thinking of me so much, Nik." Kol deflected at first because it was a natural response for him. After all, he wasn't exactly good at opening his heart to others, especially his own siblings.
Kol leaned back on his seat, a part of him hoping that one of his students would barge in to save him from an uncomfortable conversation but the door remained closed and his brother still needed an answer from him. So, upon knowing for sure that help wasn't coming, Kol's lips parted so he could finally speak. "Worry not, brother, teaching here was my own choice. However, I can't deny that Evangeline did encourage me to take up the job, but we—" Kol paused, unsure how to explain their relationship. Were they only friends, or was something else there just aching to be noticed? Whatever it was, it was deep and more meaningful than most of Kol's friendships. Actually, to tell the truth, Kol didn't have any friends except for Evangeline, it was incredibly difficult to form any deep connections with other people for they always turned the other way upon learning of who he was. "We are only friends." Kol concluded. There were brief flashes of the kiss they'd almost shared in the past, but the memory was brushed aside as he brought himself back to the current moment, his eyes relaxing on his brother once more. Kol believed that he was somebody unworthy of love. It was far too pure for someone with bloodstained hands. "But you know, it will certainly be quite the spectacle to see my brother in love. Is there anyone that you fancy?" Again, it was a poor attempt at deflection, at making his brother forget about his initial question but he figured that he could only hide for so long. He figured he might as well try to be honest with his family for once.
"I suppose to make a long story short, I applied to teach here because I know better than anyone what it's like to let the monster in you win. I've let that side of me win for centuries and while it's an exhilarating life, I've also come to the conclusion that it's incredibly lonely. I want to do everything that I can to make sure they don't follow my footsteps because I don't want them to feel the way that I feel now." He felt hollow most of the time and despite his recent good deeds, it wasn't nearly enough to make up for his past actions.
"Plus, if I of all people can learn to control my hunger, then surely they can, too. I want to pay the help that Evangeline has given me forward." Kol still wasn't a one-hundred percent good man, he still had his moments where his hunger got out of control, but at least he wanted to try. "I'm not saying that I'm suddenly a good man now, I'm not. I don't think I will ever be one hundred percent good. I have much to work on, but I have nieces and a nephew now. They are worth trying to be good for." So was Evangeline and his family, but admitting that aloud felt rather odd. "Does my answer satiate your burning curiosity, bother? May I step out of the confessional now?"
TAG: NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
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NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
Original Hybrid
Posts: 108
Played by:
Mandy
Last seen Jan 7, 2024 21:07:20 GMT
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Post by NIKLAUS MIKAELSON on Dec 19, 2022 1:28:33 GMT
THROUGH THE FOG WITH KOL MIKAELSON
"You know I hate leaving voicemails. You can never quite say what you mean on the clock. I also do not wish to have you avoid me forever, brother. We are meant to be coming together as a family --- or so Elijah would say. We cannot very well do that if we are actively ignoring one another." He knew that some of the ire that Kol felt for him was more than warranted. Throughout the centuries Klaus had not shown him the same measure of patience that he had Elijah or Rebekah. He wanted to blame Kol's actions but he was far from blameless. Maybe he and his brother were far more alike than he wanted to admit, maybe it had just been easier to dagger the man than actually deal with the realities of their struggling relationship. He could not avoid such things now. Not when he had Hope looking up to him. She deserved to have all her family and he would not deny her anything. His days of dealing with errant siblings via a dagger were long gone, not that made a difference to Kol at the moment. It would take time for things to settle, for them to be true brothers. Klaus recognized that.
But in the meantime...
Klaus waited to hear what possessed Kol to step in the role of mentor. He practically rolled his eyes to the back of his head upon hearing Evangeline's name. So it was a woman. He had been right on the money (as he usually was). Kol was stumbling his way through trying to convince him that Evangeline's encouragement wasn't at the heart of his decision but Klaus was not buying it. "Do not take this the wrong way but you do not have friends. Neither do I. Not truly. We Mikaelsons unfortunately always find a way to screw it up." He tried to think of the last time he had felt the kind of connection that Kol was trying to sell him on. It had been with Stefan and look how sideways all of that went. "But if that is what you have to tell yourself to ensure that you think you are in control of your own actions far be it for me to spoil your thoughts." He had already in a way but he knew Kol would push back. Why? Because he would have too had their situations been reversed.
He scoffed at the question of his own love life. He was currently still tender from the conversation with Elijah and the revelation that Aurora had crushed his heart on the orders of his brother. "Love is for the weak, brother. I have always said that." Just as he now said that it was beyond his grasp. He could only look at it from the outside and that infuriated him more than he was willing to admit.
Kol's second attempt at explaining himself caught Klaus' attention. He watched closely as his brother confessed to the same kind of loneliness that Klaus had felt throughout his life. Being the nightmare everyone spoke of made it hard to be seen as anything else. "This new leaf you are turning over --- I am not sure I like it. It sounds...rather chaste. Boring. Please do not tell me that you've gone boring, brother. I couldn't bear to hear it." He placed a hand over his heart even thought there was a part of him that was proud of Kol. He wanted to be something more than that nightmare. He wanted to be something that his nieces and nephews could look up to.
He shifted in his seat, pulling his feet down and leaning forward, his hands clasped together. "Do you think that you can do it, Kol? Step out of that shadow that you have cast over the last few centuries?" He was genuinely interested in the answer because he was struggling to do the same. Only it seemed that his attempts were more one step forward five steps back.
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KOL MIKAELSON
Original Vampire
Posts: 23
Played by:
NOE
“I’ve met a lot of people and you don’t particularly stand out.”
Last seen May 4, 2024 19:15:00 GMT
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Post by KOL MIKAELSON on Dec 19, 2022 19:29:33 GMT
— you did not mean to be cruel but that does not mean you were kind —
KOL WAS A LITTLE SURPRISED BY HIS BROTHER'S WORDS, his expression shifting into one of surprise for a brief moment before he schooled his expression once again, not wanting to give away the fact that he was glad to hear his brother say that. You see, Kol had spent nearly his entire life trying to squirm his way into the tight circle that his siblings had formed and left him out of. He'd always felt a little left out due to the deeper connection formed between three of his siblings, one that he couldn't form. Not on the same level, at least. He acted out again and again because it was all that Kol truly knew. He used to do it even when he was a kid, he'd pull all those little pranks on his siblings because he loved having their attention fixated solely on him but it would only last a couple of moments then he'd go back to feeling left out. So, for Niklaus to actually try to form a deeper connection with him was something that Kol had yearned for, despite all the betrayal and the unnecessary daggering. "You sound exactly like Elijah. Have you been spending a lot of time with him?" Kol offered back instead, his tone had a teasing lilt to it. Though there was a smile beginning to tug at the corner of his lips, one that remained until Kol found the spotlight fixated on him and for the first time, Kol didn't quite like having the attention on him.
Kol's smile faltered at his brother's words because he was uttering nothing but the truth and Kol knew that, but for some reason, it was far easier to pretend than to acknowledge the truth that lingered in the air, aching to be noticed. "I am in control of my actions, brother." Kol shot back, his eyes settling on his brother once more. "If we are doomed when it comes to friendship, then we are even more so when it comes to love, brother. I know that much and, truth be told, I don't think I'm capable of love. After all, I'd be damning them to a fate worse than death by loving them." Kol trailed off, feigning nonchalance by shrugging his shoulders despite the heaviness of the topic. "I'd much rather have her as a friend than risk losing her forever."
Kol nodded his head when Niklaus told him that love was for the weak. Love was dangerous and for the longest time, Kol had carried the thought of being above love, but now he wasn't quite sure of that anymore. Love certainly had a tendency of sneaking up on you when you least expect it to. He longed to see the day where it'd do the same with his brother. Kol raised an eyebrow when his brother called his new lifestyle boring. He let out a chuckle not long after, shaking his head. "Oh, don't worry, brother. I haven't gone boring. It's just—" Kol trailed off, his lips parting to let out a quiet sigh. "If I have a chance to do better, to be better, then I have to at least try and take it. But, rest assured, if you're ever in the mood to do something fun, you can come to me." There was a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he spoke. "I'm sure I can take a small break from my new, how did you put it? Ah! Boring lifestyle. Just for you."
Kol took a moment to process his brother's question before his lips parted to let out a soft sigh. It was a rather excellent question, wasn't it? "I'd be a liar if I said yes with confidence, brother. Truth is, I'm still not one hundred percent sure that I can do it. I have slipped back into the shadows enough times to know that the temptation is always going to be there. But, as long as I'm trying, then that's enough. At least, for me. Why? Do you wish to follow in the footsteps of your younger but much wiser brother? I will give you tips and tricks if that is the case." Kol, of course, didn't pass the chance to tease but he was genuinely curious if that was the case.
TAG: NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
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NIKLAUS MIKAELSON
Original Hybrid
Posts: 108
Played by:
Mandy
Last seen Jan 7, 2024 21:07:20 GMT
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Post by NIKLAUS MIKAELSON on Dec 27, 2022 20:49:42 GMT
THROUGH THE FOG WITH KOL MIKAELSON
There was a look on his face, one that was a mixture of horror and confusion. "You did not just compare me to our brother," he said, his indignity clear in the tone of his voice. He had very complicated thoughts when it came to Elijah, especially now, especially in light of what he had discovered about his brother's involvement in his first heartbreak. "Family has always been important to me. I may have not always shown it in a way that made sense to you as my brother but I know what is in my heart." He realized that Kol was onto something in pointing out that he had been influenced by someone else. He might have been content to let Kol continue on whatever path he was currently on with little input from him but that didn't fit who he was now. He had one person in particular to thank for that. "It was Hope. It was having her in my life. She is my daughter and the most precious thing to me. I want her to have what we should have had in our youth, in our first years as vampires. Family, I want her to have family. If that means I must eat a little crow, so be it. But do not mistake me for Elijah. He and I have very different views on how love should be treated." That was as much as he wanted to say about that in the moment.
In many ways he was understanding of what Kol was trying to say. He too thought himself incapable of love. He had suffered through its twisted versions more than once and ultimately watched it crumble between his fingers. "How noble of you, Kol. To want friendship over the possibility of losing her. And I am the one that reminds you of Elijah?' He gave Kol a pointed look. There was no denying that the man was feeling something for his so called friend but Klaus knew better than to poke that particular bear too hard. He and Elijah could usually argue their way around a disagreement to a better end. Cooler heads eventually prevailed. When it came to he and Kol, they went from being playful to smashing one another into the furniture. It was a thin line and Klaus was sincere in wanting to be on solid ground with Kol for the first time in a long time.
(for Hope, he would do anything for Hope)
Klaus couldn't help but chuckle, the sound low in this throat. He gave Kol an incredulous look. A break from his new clean lifestyle? "I am going to hold you to that, brother," he said enthusiastically. He was already tempted to tempt Kol but he would wait, hold that in his back pocket and pull it out when he felt it was necessary. Right now he was making inroads it seemed.
But he stopped short of saying that he could join Kol on his new path to enlightenment. "I appreciate the offer but I am more realistic in my old age. There is no saving my soul, I am afraid. I wouldn't want there to be anyway. I rather like who I have become." There was a lie in there somewhere. Anyone who truly understood how he ticked knew that self loathing was debilitating some days. It dragged him down and held him captive more than he wished to say. "But I do know where to come if I come delusional. Not saying that you are --- just that I would be."
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